The Sunday Salon

I’ve had some inspiring success with my reading this week. I’ve been diligently reading A Suitable Boy, which I’m really enjoying. There are a few political parts that are slightly boring, but it’s such a small fraction of such a huge book, and I’ve found myself feeling like I’m living in India with all the characters. I’m discovering that I really like books about changing cultures; they’re exposing the cracks and trying to figure out who they are. In this book, the British have fairly recently pulled out of India, many of the families were partitioned away from their homes thanks to the creation of Pakistan, and the countryside hierarchy is about to change completely thanks to new legislation. And, of course, there is Lata’s (and her mother’s) struggle to find “a suitable boy” in a changing India. It’s so interesting and enjoyable, but I’m going through it slowly. I figure I’ll get frustrated if I go days without finishing any books, so I’ve been reading lighter books alongside it. It is nice to live in a book for a while though. and I’m thrilled that I have another of Vikram Seth’s books hanging around for when I’ve finished.

I hope to get a lot read this week, as Keith is headed off for 3 days away to start his new job, and I’ve finished the game I was playing on my Xbox 360. I’ve been thinking of reviewing the games when I finish them – if others can review film and TV, I don’t see why I can’t review games, and I will probably complete less than one a month – but I haven’t decided yet. I haven’t worked out how to knit and read at the same time, but we still watch enough TV and movies to give me plenty of time for both. Next Sunday I will be in the air heading home for a couple of weeks, so posting may be slightly more sporadic as I haven’t as many scheduled posts these days. In any case, I hope you all have a lovely week and a good book to keep you company!

11 comments to The Sunday Salon

I am glad you are enjoying A Suitable Boy overall, Meghan. I’m reading a book right now about a couple who move to India and are dealing with cultural issues. Like you, I really like books about changing cultures.

It sounds like you had a great week! Your mother-in-law already knows just what to buy you! I definitely think you should review the games you play.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Our life in France – holidays =-.

I have Carter Beats the Devil, and it was a loot from a library sale last year. I’ve read a couple reviews that gushed about it, one included it in their best of 2009 list, even. Then it shows up here on your post? Maybe I should drag it out of the general unreads and put it on Mt. TBR, at least? Or maybe even read it? That’s a novel thought… lol.

I’m looking forward to your review of A Suitable Boy. I’ve go it on Mt. TBR, and I love the description of it, but it’s long and I don’t know when I’ll have time for it.
.-= The Kool-Aid Mom´s last blog ..The Sunday Salon Is Closed? Oh, Noooz! =-.

Meghan, I would love it if you reviewed the videogames you play! Since I also both read and game, it’d be nice to see your opinions of the games you play. (Not to mention, what type of games you play. I can’t quite figure out from your reading list what videogames would strike your fancy).
.-= Amanda´s last blog ..Book Review: Wizard and Glass By Stephen King (Series, #4) =-.

I am glad that you are loving A Suitable Boy and aren’t having the problems that I did with the political sections. I also think you picked out some wonderful books with your gift card and can’t wait to hear what you think of them. Reviewing games is an interesting idea, and I would really be curious to see a review like that!
.-= zibilee´s last blog ..Samson’s Walls by Jud Nirenberg =-.

I liked when you said, “It is nice to live in a book for a while though.” That is such a good way of describing the way we can live within a story. I love that!!!
.-= Wisteria Leigh´s last blog ..Mailbox Monday, January 18, 2010 =-.

So glad you’re enjoying ‘A Suitable Boy’, what else do you have of his about (really they’re all great). And what a great load of books (oh ’84 Charing Cross Road’ sighs dreamily). Hope your trip is releatively easy, not a ton of packing etc.

I would definitely be interested in reading your game reviews! What game was it that you last finished? My partner has custody of our Xbox at his house in LA (I have our Wii in Nova Scotia), so I only rarely get to play it, and my tastes tend to run to the vast and time-consuming end of the gaming spectrum (Morrowind, Oblivion, etc.), so I sometimes find myself not starting to play when I am in town, for fear that it will swallow my whole visit!
.-= Ariel/Sycorax Pine´s last blog ..Teaching Diasporas, Mummy Relics, and the Future of the Serial: an Enthusiasm of Links =-.